Marine Policy and Advice

The Marine Biological Association provides a clear, independent voice to decision-makers on behalf of the marine biological community

The MBA is able to provide authoritative expert advice to UK, European and international decision-makers. As well as drawing on the experience and knowledge of its members, the MBA also utilises in-house policy expertise to provide advice and to deliver evidence to inform and support policy. Advice is provided directly such as through meetings with ministers and other decision makers or by means such as providing evidence to parliamentary select committees.

Responding to consultations

The MBA draws on expertise within its membership to provide responses to consultations. A wide range of consultation responses have been provided – further information or copies of the responses can be requested from Dr Matt Frost

Providing evidence

Evidence based policy is at the heart of decision making. The MBA ensures that marine biological data and information is available to decision makers and those responsible for managing the marine environment. This is mainly achieved via its data and marine evidence programmes and through dedicated resources such as the Marine Life information Network (MarLIN).

MBA policy advice – a history

The MBA has a long history in engaging with marine policy and management issues and in fact was originally established to answer such questions. In 1866 a Royal Commission on Sea Fisheries, which included Professor Thomas Huxley as one of its members recommended doing away with existing regulations relating to sea fishing as fears relating to over-exploitation of fish were thought to be unfounded. In one of his most famous comments Huxley, in his inaugural address to the International Fisheries Exhibition in London 1883 stated that “I believe that it may be affirmed with confidence that, in relation to our present modes of fishing, a number of the most important sea fisheries, such as the cod fishery, the herring fishery, and the mackerel fishery, are inexhaustible”1.

However, Professor Edwin Ray Lankester put forward the views of many who disagreed with Huxley’s statement by arguing that man could have a significant impact on fish stocks so that “the natural balance is upset”2, 3. Lankester went on to propose the formation of a society to answer such questions and Huxley became the first president of the society when it was established in 18844. The main source of funding came from the UK Government who wanted to support the association’s activities towards the ends of “conducting research, collecting statistics and advising on legislation”. Much support in setting up the MBA was given by the then minister for the Board of Trade (which was then responsible for fisheries) Joseph Chamberlain4.

Although the remit of the MBA became much wider than just fisheries investigations, the Association has continued to make sure that both the scientific research and scientific expertise within the organisation is used to inform policy and management.

The Marine Biological Association conducts, promotes and supports scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea. We're working with our ever-growing membership to provide a clear and independent voice on behalf of the marine biological community